The Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona

The Plaça Sant Jaume has been the political center of Barcelona since the very beginning and hosts the regional and local governments of Cataluña, The Generalitat de Catalunya in one side and on the other the Barcelona City Hall.  Both institutions existed in medieval times and are still responsible for governing the lives of Catalans and the people of Barcelona, that’s why the location of both buildings is not a coincidence. This square has been witness to some of the most important events in recent Catalan history, such as the proclamation of the Catalan State in 1931 or the return of Josep Tarradelles from exile in 1977.

The Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona 

The Plaça Sant Jaume is located at the place where the main streets of Roman Barcino converged, the Cardus (now Carrer de la Llibreteria and Carrer Call), and the Decumanus (now Carrer Ciutat and Carrer del Bisbe). This was the Roman forum, the centre of the Roman city where the Temple of Augustus once stood, the remains of which can still be admired in the neighbouring Carrer Paradís.

Events you don’t want to miss in Plaça Sant Jaume

The Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona 

Visit the Barcelona townhall

A neoclassical master piece. The façade conceals Gothic gems such as the historic Great Hall, or Saló de Cent, designed by Pere Llobet and built in the 14th century. If you have the chance take a guided visit:

Guided visits in Catalan: 10h, 11.30h and 12.30h.

Guided visits in Spanish: 10.30h and 12h.

Guided visits in English: 11h.

Tel. 934 027 000 / Groups: 934 027 364

Visit the Generalitat

The Palau de la Generalitat is another gem of the Gothic period, mixing renaissance and baroque elements behind the neoclassical façade. The building was constructed between the 15th and mid-17th centuries. The delicate beauty of the “Pati dels Tarongers”, the courtyard planted with orange trees is particularly outstanding. Again, we recommend you take a guided visit:

Web site: www.president.cat

The Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona 

Guided Visits: 2nd & 4th weekend of each month. It is necessary to book online in advance.

Castellers, the human castles

One of Catalonia’s most famous traditions. The Castellers are human towers that are lifted by building different levels of people until reaching insane heights. Hundreds of people can take part in it. This is one of the most impressive events, really worth seen!

The Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona 

Sunday Morning, let’s dance a Sardana!

On Sunday mornings, people come to dance the Sardana, the national dance of Catalonia. It’s a very Catalan moment and worth checking out.

How to get to the Plaça Sant Jaume

Address: Plaça Sant Jaume

By Metro: L3 stop Liceu and L4 stop Jaume I.

By Bus: 14, 17, 45, 59, 91, 120 and V17.